Because the current NCAA tournament is going so well, I would argue that this is the best time to look back at the conferences during the last year that the conferences are as we know them. The ACC was first followed by the Big East and the Big Ten. Next up, the Big Twelve.

Because the current NCAA tournament is going so well, I would argue that this is the best time to look back at the conferences during the last year that the conferences are as we know them. The ACC was first followed by the Big East. Next up: The Big Ten.

Exclusive footage the night of Trayvon Martin’s murder shows George Zimmerman being brought into custody in handcuffs but without the bloody wound to the back of his head and the broken nose he claimed to have suffered at the hands of Martin prompting his “self-defense” claim.

Nearly twenty years after the L.A. Riots, we’re standing at the brink…

“Trayvon Martin didn’t die so we can create a race war he died so we can promote better understanding. We must start honest dialogue.” -Russell Simmons

Before Saturday, I was on the fence about attending the rally for Trayvon Martin in Center City Philadelphia Monday evening. I had come to the conclusion that George Zimmerman was never going to be brought to justice and that this was only another welt on the backs of our people. But the more I celebrated with my son Quentin on his birthday the more that I realized that this wasn’t about me or my thoughts. There was a bigger picture that I needed to focus on.

I will be posting my interviews with some who were in attendance at the Trayvon Martin rally in Philadelphia yesterday evening a little later. I’m just trying to sort through the wind and background noise in the recordings.

But for now here is this week’s sportsblot – give us what you feel in twenty words or less.

This is not a recap but a story. This is Boston vs. Philly. This is ESPN NBA Friday night. This is Will Smith. This is too close for comfort in the Atlantic Division standings. This is Elton Brand talking about Trayvon Martin. This is condemning the action before the reaction. This is my commentary. This is Doug Collins. This is Doug Collins emotional…after his team pulled away from the Celtics 99-86 and secured his 400th win as an NBA coach. Read without prejudice…

The Utah Jazz defeated the Sacramento Kings 103-102 last night at Power Balance Pavillion on Al Jefferson’s lay in with 0.9 seconds left. The 8th year power forward had twenty-six points, seven boards and four blocks. On March 9th the Jazz were here in Philly and being Jefferson is one of the better players in the league, I thought it would be a good deal to get him on The Starting Five’s mic. I got a sense Al Jefferson was raised right. It was noticeable Jefferson had strong people in his life ensuring he didn’t waste his talent, his mind or think everything was strictly about him. Sometimes support from the beginning is all it takes. There are many talented youth of every ilk that simply don’t have the proper people in their lives to push them in the right direction with a tough hand. Al was blessed. Averaging nineteen and nine, Jefferson has developed into a top NBA big man and the 25-22 (winners of five straight) Jazz are blessed to have him as well.

Al is alright with me because he makes it a priority to give back what he didn’t have growing up. That’s what it’s all about…

Because the current NCAA tournament is going so well, I would argue that this is the best time to look back at the conferences during the last year that the conferences are as we know them. The ACC was first. Next up: The Big East.Read more »

Roger Goodell brought down the hammer after a three year investigation of NFL bounties. New Orleans head coach Sean Payton was suspended for a year, former Saints defensive coordinator Greg Williams, who took over the same position with the St. Louis Rams (Jeff Fisher says a replacement won’t be named and duties will be handled in house) is suspended indefinitely pending a post season Roger Goodell review, Saints GM Mickey Loomis suspended first 8 games of ’12 season and assistant coach Joe Vitt suspended the first six games. “The investigation showed bounties being placed on four quarterbacks of opposing teams — Brett Favre, Cam Newton, Aaron Rodgers, and Kurt Warner. (quote via LA Times)” The Saints were also fined 500, 000 and will forfeit two second round picks in 2012 and 2013. Roger Goodell stated he was clearly lied to by New Orleans during the investigation and it appears the Saints have paid a serious price. Circle the wagons? Galvanize the troops? Will be interesting to see how the year plays out for New Orleans. NFL Network analyst Warren Sapp claims former Saints tight end Jeremy Shockey was the whistle-blower…which Shockey denies. Wow.

There will be no quarterback controversy in the Mile High City this NFL season. Peyton Manning the most high-profile free agent in quite some time has reportedly agreed to sign with the Denver Broncos according to several sources.

The signing of Manning will bring an end to the tenure of starting quarterback Tim Tebow in Denver, who according to Broncos team officials will be traded.

After a stunning Thursday and Friday to open the NCAA Tournament the Sweet 16 is finally set. The state of Ohio is well represented with four teams remaining in the tournament (Cincinnati, Ohio, Ohio State and Xavier). The Big East Conference is sending four teams to the Sweet 16 as well (Cincinnati, Louisville, Marquette and Syracuse). N.C. State and Ohio University are still wearing glass slippers

The drama I put myself through to post a photo cannot be underestimated. Trying to run through the sports rolodex in my brain is comical at times. My goal is to think in terms of nostalgia, historical significance and the individual(s) in the photo. I’m having a blast with this – glad you are too.

You might remember the series I did on the greatest college football players by each of the BCS conferences. It went a little something like This. Well I figured it was about time to do the same thing with NCAA basketball as we get into the NCAA tournament. And we’re starting with the champagne conference, the ACC. The conference of the immortals.